Summer House / West Grounds of the U.S. Capitol

Your Guide

Tucked away on a gently-sloping hill along the northwest lawn of the U.S. Capitol is the Summerhouse. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and completed in 1881, the brick, hexagonal, open-air structure was built as a resting spot for visitors and as a retreat within the Capitol grounds. The structure, which is sited slightly below grade, invites visitors to step down and into space through a series of arched brick entrances. The ornate patterns of each entrance give visitors a sense that this is a destination of some sort, despite its unobtrusive location. The Summerhouse’s central feature is a fountain originally intended to provide spring-fed drinking water. Unique stone seating with armrests line the interior, providing seating for up to 22 people. Spanish-tiled overhangs provide shade over the seats, while views into a sun-dappled grotto at one end of the site fill the interior with sounds of water dripping onto lush plantings, giving the space a rustic, therapeutic feel.

Upon entering, I felt like I was in some kind of Shakespearean stage set, as the communal-like atmosphere and intimate scale created a feeling of romance and theater. While small in scale, each of the entrances and circular window openings provides distinct views of the surrounding landscape and striking architecture of the U.S. Capitol. Overall, Olmsted succeeds here in creating a welcoming, quiet, and serene space for contemplation and indeed, retreat.

Stone Seating

Octagonal Details

Detail of octagonal stonework in oval window openings.

Image: Liz Guthrie

The Grotto

Close-up of grotto showing stream of water splashing over rocks and plantings.

Image: Liz Guthrie

The Fountain

The fountain originally provided spring-fed drinking water. Original details have been preserved, including metal fittings on the fountain’s perimeter, believed to have been used for chains to hold cups or ladles.

Image: Liz Guthrie

The James A. Garfield Monument

The James A. Garfield Monument marks the southwest entrance of the west lawn of the Capitol and stands as part of a three-part sculptural group near the Capitol Reflecting Pool that includes the Peace Monument and the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial.

Image: Liz Guthrie

Large Lantern at the Base of the West Lawn

Image: Liz Guthrie

Paving Patterns

Much of Olmsted’s design work focused on the hardscapes of the Capitol as much as the landscape itself, as seen here in the decorative geometric paving patterns in the walkways leading toward the Capitol.

Image: Liz Guthrie

Olmsted's Railings

Ornate wrought-iron railings and lights.

Image: Liz Guthrie

Drain Covers

A detail of the intricate design on the Capitol’s drain covers.

Image: Liz Guthrie

An Ornate Fountain

The west plaza of the Capitol grounds features an ornate fountain surrounded by low walls and colorful seasonal plantings.